A Story About Cancer (With a Happy Ending)

Stakes don’t get much higher for a 15-year-old than they are in A Story About Cancer. This unique graphic novel is set in a hospital waiting room while the protagonist waits for the verdict from the doctors. During the wait, she flashbacks over the past five years, since her leukemia diagnosis at age 10, recalling not just the treatments, but her emotional and social journey in the midst of it. Her voice speaks with equal parts humor and pathos, a convincingly teenaged perspective. Her struggles with looming death and debilitating pain, the tension within her family, a best friend dealing with her own cancer diagnosis, and, of course, a boy – all confirm that growing up isn’t easy, and with cancer along for the ride, it’s even more complicated.

As the parent of a child who also was diagnosed with leukemia at age 10, I approached this novel with trepidation. The title, itself, includes a spoiler that seems counterintuitive, but it allows readers to wade into some deep, dark waters with confidence. This dramatic tale does not pull any punches, but there are enough uplifting moments to make the extremely realistic portrayal of cancer treatment palatable, even for younger readers and this traumatized mom. With the drawn-out tension of its waiting room setting, the fast-pace is a relief; A Story About Cancer is a quick read, but anything longer would be unbearable. I found the character development believable and appropriate for a story of this length. I would’ve loved more details about Maxine and the unfolding romance with Victor, but, being left wanting more is better than the alternative. The lack of a name for the main character did not strike me until later, but this, too, immerses readers deeply into the first-person experience. What strikes me most about this book is that, in the best way, it is unlike any other I’ve ever read.

As much as I love the story, the real star of the show is Marianne Ferrer, the illustrator. The publisher refers to the unique techniques of Ferrer’s “profound enveloping approach” which I can only assume speaks to her ability to fold multiple layers of storyline into one picture. The use of shadows, colour, and lack of colour draws out powerful emotions, communicating more than text alone ever could. The severely limited colour palette is poignant and evocative. Some of my favourite parts of the book have no words at all.

A Story About Cancer (With a Happy Ending) is, much like a real-life cancer journey, full of extremes - haunting shadows and dazzling light. Hard to read, but beautiful in its own way. I highly recommend it, not just for cancer patients, but for all the rest of us.